Latex Allergy Symptoms & Causes

In-Depth

Which children are at risk for developing a latex allergy?

Certain children are more likely to develop latex allergies; for example, if your child requires frequent medical procedures, and therefore is frequently exposed to latex, the risk of an allergy is elevated. Latex allergies are more commonly found in children who have had many surgeries and children with spina bifida or urologic anomalies.

Furthermore, children with allergies to certain common foods are more likely to have latex allergies, because both the foods and latex may have some of the same proteins. Allergies to the following commonly eaten foods may indicate a risk of developing an allergy to latex:

Bananas

Avocados

Chestnuts

Kiwi

Passion fruit

Papaya

Figs

Peaches

Nectarines

Plums

Tomatoes

Celery

Careful avoidance of latex products may decrease the chances of your child developing a latex allergy.

Which items should be avoided if my child has a latex allergy?

Household products that may contain latex include:

Balloons

Rubber balls

Pacifiers, baby bottle nipples and eye dropper bulbs

Condoms and diaphragms

Certain dental products, such as mouthguards

Beach toys

Art supplies

Rubber bands

Band-aids

Erasers

Hand grips on racquets and bicycles

Wheelchair tires

Sneakers and raincoats

Disposable diapers

Medical items that may include latex include:

Surgical and exam gloves

IV tubing injection sites

Catheters

Adhesive tape

Electrode pads

Blood pressure cuffs

Tourniquets

Stethoscopes

Any item that is light brown and can be stretched may contain latex; replace latex items with items made from vinyl, plastic or silicone.

What steps should be taken to protect a latex-sensitive child in the event of illness or emergency?

Your latex-allergic child should wear a Medic-Alert bracelet, and you should notify all of your child’s caregivers—including dentists, physicians, nurses, teachers, babysitters, friends and family members—if your child:

Has ever had any type of reaction to a latex product

Has an unexplained allergic reaction during an operation

Further steps to take include:

Carry a pair of non-latex gloves and information about latex allergies

Teach your child to recognize and avoid latex products

Ensure that your child’s hospital and school records contain a latex allergy alert

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